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Meet Rising Star Benjamin Beilman |
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Home > What's New > Caramoor Blog > Meet Rising Star Benjamin Beilman
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October 25, 2010
“Here is the fourth installment of our eight part series, Meet the Rising Stars. Ben talks about his life as a young musician who is constantly juggling school with a professional career. I hope you enjoy meeting violinist Ben Beilman!” – Alison Shearer
 | | Benjamin Beilman, violin |
Age: 20
Place of Birth: Washington, DC
Why is classical music still relevant today?
In general I think music is important because it is the only form of communication that everyone in the world can understand. It’s amazing to play music by composers who were grappling with the same emotions and issues several hundred years ago that we’re dealing with today; their music helps keep the dialogue of our past alive. I feel that through music we can explore some of the untapped areas of our subconscious and better understand life as we know it.
Have you found it difficult to have a professional career while still in school?
Yes, it’s very difficult. I am a senior now at Curtis and I’ve been traveling a fair amount for competitions and concerts. Although I only have a few classes, I find it hard to stay on top of deadlines when I’m traveling so much—my teachers have kindly given me extensions for various assignments this year. Curtis is very good about allowing students to travel and build their careers, but it’s still a bit overwhelming sometimes.
Do you often run into the same musicians at various young artist programs, and what is it like performing with your friends?
In a way these artist programs are like a traveling party – you meet some people in one place and then a few weeks later you’ll meet up with them in a different city. I played with Narek, Cindy, and Phil at Marlboro this summer and now we’ll be Caramoor together for the Rising Stars program. I’m constantly rekindling friendships with musicians who I met previously at one program or another- it’s great!
Can you tell me what got you started in music?
Well I actually have to give some credit to my older sister— as a little kid my mom would bring me to my sister’s music lessons, and I’d kind of roll around of the floor while she played. I was able to listen in on all that she was learning, and pretty soon I wanted to play too. When I was five I asked my mom if I could take lessons; before I knew it I had a violin of my own.
What inspires you?
The magnitude of the music. I find it amazing that I can play a piece for five years and constantly discover new elements of the music that I hadn’t understood before. There is so much to work with in this music that it really will never cease to be a source of inspiration. The fact that I can bring this incredible music to people and help them to understand its significance is truly inspirational.
What are three words you would use to describe yourself?
Comfy. All-American. Ticklish.
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